preparing for your trip

choosing your safari

Choosing your safari - A typical day on safari starts with a pre-dawn wake up call, coffee or tea and biscuits. As the sun rises, you will already be heading into the bush with your guide and tracker on a wildlife viewing drive or walk, stopping for more snacks...read more

First time in Africa?

First time in Africa? - Parkers African Travel have developed an excellent reputation for looking after first time visitors to Southern Africa, so if you aren’t sure where to start, just contact us and we’ll guide you through the process. If you’ve never travelled to Southern Africa...read more

Check list

Check list - Good quality sunglasses - preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light Sun hat Golf-shirts, t-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts Shorts / skirts Long trousers / slacks More formal attire (gents - sports jacket or lounge suit. Ladies -...read more

Flights

Flights - We will be pleased to book your international and domestic flights into and around Southern Africa at competitive prices, but only in conjunction with your holiday or tour. If you would like us to quote for your flights, just let us know and we´ll send...read more

Travel & Medical Insurance

Do you have the cover you need? We recommend that all travellers have adequate holiday insurance. These days, standard credit-card type cover simply isn´t enough. We suggest you consider the following when arranging travel insurance. 1. Ensure that medical cover and emergency medical evacuation insurance are included in...read more

passport regulations

Passports - Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your holiday. It is also mandatory to have two blank pages in your passport in order to receive entry and exit stamps. If you are visiting a number of southern African countries, it...read more

yellow fever entry requirement

A vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers coming from, or journeying through, yellow fever endemic areas and a valid Yellow Fever certificate is required for all passengers older than one year coming from an infected area. Yellow Fever certificates are valid for 10 years, starting 10 days after...read more

Paying for your holiday

Paying for your holiday - When the time comes to pay for your holiday, we recommend you use foreign exchange specialists Moneycorp who can save you money by offering the most competitive exchange rates available. Moneycorp will use their expertise to achieve the best possible rate of exchange; even...read more

during your trip

drinking water

Drinking Water - Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so use only bottled water in these areas. Avoid drinking water from streams and rivers,...read more

driving

Driving - Driving in most of southern Africa is on the left. The roads in South Africa and Namibia are generally good although roads in other parts of southern Africa may be pot-holed and in a state of some disrepair. Expect travel in the dry season to be...read more

electricity supply

Electricity - The electricity supply is generally 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are round 3-pin or 2-pin. Adaptors can be purchased at airports and retail outlets nationwide. US-made appliances may need a transformer. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances. read more

food safety

Food - Standards of hygiene in major towns and cities across southern Africa are generally high in hotels, bars and restaurants and it is generally safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads. Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries...read more

medical facilities

Health/Medical Facilities - Safety standards and regulations in southern Africa will not necessarily conform to European or western health and safety standards. In general, medical facilities across larger southern African towns are of a high standard, particularly private hospitals and clinics, as well as some of the large...read more

languages

Languages - There are 11 official languages spoken in South Africa and many unofficial ones. English is the official language of business, politics and media but on South Africa´s streets you´ll find a ready mix of languages being spoken, including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu and Xhosa. Road and other...read more

money

Money - There are banks and ATMs in all towns, most villages and in larger petrol stations. All large hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and MasterCard, although American Express is not often accepted. Travellers cheques can be exchanged in banks, bureaux de changes and some larger...read more

safety

Safety - Safety precautions across southern Africa are not unlike those recommended when travelling anywhere in the world. Apply common sense rather than hard and fast rules as safety precautions in southern Africa mostly require vigilance and sound travel preparation. Avoid deserted areas at night; secure valuables such...read more

tipping

Tipping/Gratuities - There are no hard and fast rules but we suggest R3 for petrol pump attendants and car guards, R5 per bag for airport porters or R10 per service from lodge porters, R20 for room maids on leaving, R25 per person per game drive for good game...read more

measurements

Weights & Measurements - The units of measurement used across southern Africa are metric. Road distances are measured in kilometers, petrol in litres and food in grams. read more

accreditations

- SATIB24 Crisis Call is a 24 hour emergency call service that manages guest related accidents and incidents.
  
  Typical examples of emergency incidents are:
  
  * the sudden onset of potentially serious illness
  * an accident resulting in serious injury
  * an assault, rape, kidnap or other crime that threatens life or well being
  * exposure to blood, poisons or other hazardous materials
  * a fire or other natural disaster
  
  The emergency call will be answered by a trained wilderness medical doctor who will access the situation and activate the appropriate action to be taken.
  
  Note that this is a value-added service for which guests are not charged

- This seal of approval certifies that the bearer holds *certificate/s of insurance issued by SATIB Risk Solutions and certain Lloyd's of London Underwriters, which comply with the European Community Directive (90/314/EEC) and carries the following cover levels:
  
  Public Liability - ZAR5 million / incident / occurance AND Professional Indemnity - ZAR2 million / incident / occurance
  
  Endorsed by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA).
  
  *Subject to Terms &Conditions as set out in the relevant policy documents.